LAHORE -- Hosts Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat of 17-3 at the
hands of Lebanon in the second match of 4-Nation Division Three West
Asian Rugby Championship here at the DHA Stadium on Thursday night.

Earlier, Uzbekistan shocked India with the margin of 23-17 in the
opening match of the championship which is being organised by Sports
Board Punjab (SBP) in collaboration with the Pakistan Rugby Union (PRU).

The final of the event will be played on Sunday (tomorrow) between
Uzbekistan and Lebanon while arch rivals Pakistan and India will vie for
3rd position on the same day.

Pakistan launched their match on positive note but they could not
maintain the rhythm of the game against more professional Lebanese side.

Salem El Dessouki and Karim Jamal exhibited magnificent rugby
skills and played key role in Lebanon's reasonable aggregate of 17.
Kashif Khawaja was the only Pakistani player who offered some resistance
and managed to open the account for the home team.

Earlier, both the teams were introduced to chief guest Director
General Sports Board Punjab Usman Anwar. National anthems of the two
teams were also played prior to the commencement of the match.

A large number of rugby fans including dozens of families were
there to applaud the teams despite scorching heat. The rugby enthusiasts
showered huge praise whenever a team scored a point. Several rugby fans
recorded their views and appreciated the efforts of DG SBP Usman Anwar
for brining international sports in Pakistan. It may be recalled here
that due to effective efforts of DG SBP, various international sports
events have been staged in Pakistan during the last couple of months.